One Step at a Time: Stamina, Struggle, and Strength Outside

Teach Outdoors

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, we dive deep into what it really means to nurture resilience, perseverance, and empathy in outdoor learning spaces.

We explore how small steps – like starting with just 30 seconds at a sit spot – build stamina and belief in our ability to do hard things. Using learning continuums from Natural Curiosity (2nd Edition), we look at what growth looks like when learning is messy, nonlinear, and rooted in the land. Success doesn’t always look like neat checkboxes — sometimes, it looks like muddy boots and quiet confidence.

We unpack the power of the butterfly metaphor — a reminder that we can't rush the process or rescue too soon. Struggle is part of the learning, and nature offers the perfect environment for students (and educators!) to stretch, grow, and trust themselves.

Through stories, questions, and practical reflections, we talk about how outdoor learning grows empathy — for self, for others, and for the land. What does it mean to truly support a child through challenge without fixing everything? How does nature teach us that?

Tune in to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what learning can look like — when we let it grow at its own pace.

🌿 This episode is for anyone building strength in small moments, one outdoor step at a time.